Capital and cultural heart of Spain
Spain has accelerated its general election to November 29 as nationwide protests over housing reach a peak. The government has introduced emergency housing decrees, while opposition parties contest the measures. Polls show the conservative PP leading, with Vox possibly acting as kingmaker in any coalition. The vote tests a fragile left coalition against rising right-wing forces.
Manchester United's defender Lisandro Martinez has criticized the club's transfer strategy after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, calling for greater investment and backing of the technical director. The post-match comments come as United endure a winless run and face pressure on manager Michael Carrick, with questions raised over squad depth and tactical choices.
A surge of runway shows and campaigns in Paris, Milan and Dubai highlights how brands are leaning into luxury heritage and performance, even as the industry faces a soft market. Designers are unveiling new creative directors and collections that mix traditional craftsmanship with modern spectacle, underscoring a shift toward tangible, wearable luxury.
OpenAI has published a proposed solution to the Navier‑Stokes Millennium Prize problem after running roughly 10,000 internal AI agents for about 88 hours. Two mathematicians, Tristan Buckmaster and Levent Alpöge, have said OpenAI accelerated work after learning of their AI‑assisted progress and raised questions about whether de‑identified product data influenced the models.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal are co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup, with FIFA yet to decide the final venue. Moroccan PM Akhannouch warns against premature promises as tensions run over where the final will be played. Multiple leaders emphasize resolving hosting rights with their allies. The 2030 tournament will mark the competition’s 100th anniversary.
Barcelona beats Levante 3-2 to stay atop La Liga after a gripping clash that saw Levante rally from two goals down before Karim Adeyemi sealed the win in second-half stoppage time. Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal struck early, and Barcelona’s defense held firm late on.
A consortium-led investigation shows the US has struck third-country deportation deals with states and UN agencies to move undocumented migrants out of the US. By early 2026, thousands have been deported to countries like Cameroon, Eswatini, and Ghana, with hundreds of millions allocated to signatories and to UN agencies. Critics warn of coercion and opaque negotiations.
The 2027 Formula 1 schedule has expanded sprint races from six to ten, with Monaco hosting a short-form event for the first time. Other sprints are planned in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar as organisers seek greater fan engagement amid regional tensions and security concerns.
Mass protests in Madrid call for early elections amid the Ceuta migrant influx. Officials report varied turnout estimates; activists seek rapid deportations and accountability, while the government plans new measures to accelerate returns to Morocco. Authorities warn ongoing strain on Ceuta as thousands remain in the enclave.
Real Madrid has suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a heated derby. Mourinho has shown refereeing images he says justify two red cards, while Atletico and Real exchange stinging social posts as the dispute intensifies. The fallout includes comments from Diego Simeone and a renewed focus on officiating as the season progresses.
Fernandez has renewed with London City after a standout season in which she played every Women’s Super League match, earned fans’ player of the season, and helped the club to sixth in their debut top-flight campaign. She previously won multiple titles with Barcelona and has featured for Spain at Euro 2025.
Esteban Ocon has reiterated that his Formula 1 career is not over as Haas confirms he will part ways at year’s end. With Bearman outperforming him this season, Ocon is exploring options for 2027 while remaining focused on the current races.
Real Madrid has denounced controversial refereeing decisions after a derby loss to Atletico Madrid, citing two red cards that were not shown to the visiting team and questioning the accuracy of VAR. Mourinho has presented photographs as evidence, while praising his players despite the setback.
Valencia has appointed Javier Aguirre as coach until the end of the season, with the option to extend. The club sits second-to-last in La Liga after a poor start, replacing Carlos Corberán as part of a broader restructuring. Aguirre has pledged to build a winning style and identify talent to lift the team.
An 87-year-old Madrid tenant has reached a deal with her landlord to return to the flat she occupied for seven decades after nationwide protests. The agreement has capped her rent near her long-standing payment for eight years and has pushed the central government to prepare emergency housing measures for a parliamentary vote this week (30 Sep 2026).
Esteban Ocon has been told Haas will part ways with him at year’s end. He has been racing in F1 since 2016 and has previously won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon says he remains motivated and will push for strong results in the remaining races while seeking future opportunities. Haas thanks him for his professionalism as they move to appoint a replacement.
Spain’s parliament has rejected two housing decrees aimed at curbing soaring rents and protecting vulnerable tenants. Protests have erupted across Madrid and other cities, driven by the eviction of an 87-year-old pensioner, Maricarmen Abascal, and a demand for bold housing reform. Prime Minister Sanchez is pressing for a broader progressive majority to push through reforms, while opposition parties warn of higher rents and less homes if measures pass.
Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal training camp in Copenhagen after a conversation between the coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca. He is not in the starting XI for the Denmark match, with Goncalo Ramos set to start. Ronaldo has said he will tell the Portuguese people the truth about his departure in due course.
Spain will host King Felipe and Queen Letizia in Ceuta and Melilla on October 13-14, marking the first royal tour to the enclaves in 19 years. The trip follows a July migrants surge and tests Madrid-Rabat ties amid ongoing border concerns. Morocco denies links to the events and the government vows to safeguard international obligations.
Spain faces intensified political pressure as protests over housing costs and the eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid resident intensify debate. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election as right-wing and far-right parties block emergency housing decrees. Protests continue, and unions plan a general strike for November 11.
Nike has unveiled its Pace plan to cut costs and streamline operations, signaling further layoffs start in 2027 as it reorganizes into three geographies. The move follows disappointing Q1 results, with revenue down and profit slipping, while Nike seeks to bolster its Sportswear, Jordan Brand and Greater China segments. Details on extent of job cuts remain unclear.
The Green Party has passed a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and endorsing a Palestinian state. The vote has drawn condemnation from Israel and Jewish groups, while triggering internal divisions and prompting debates about the party’s future direction.
Spain’s prime minister has called a snap general election for 29 November after parliament rejected two housing decrees aimed at easing the affordability crisis. The move follows widespread protests and a government push to intervene in the housing market ahead of the vote.
France's teenager-turned-star Olise delivers a breathtaking display, scoring twice and laying on an assist as France beats Belgium 4-2 in a high-tempo Nations League clash. Doué and Cherki contribute, signaling a potent future for the French attack.
Students in French lycées have intensified protests over school conditions, teacher shortages and crowded classrooms. Police have clashed with youths blocking schools as the unrest spreads from Paris to other cities, leaving hundreds detained and dozens injured among both students and officers. Government officials urge a return to class while warning against violence.
Spain's constitutional court has cleared the final legal barrier to the return of former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont by confirming the 2024 amnesty covers the charge of misuse of public funds. Puigdemont left Spain in 2017 after the failed independence bid; Catalonia's politics, demographics and voter priorities have shifted substantially since then.
Protests across Spain over housing affordability have intensified after the eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid woman. Parliament rejected emergency housing measures, prompting speculation that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez could call a snap election as protests surge in multiple cities.
Labour discussions with EU experts hover over a pledge to rejoin or closer ties. Downing Street tests public opinion while Burnham signals options, including full re-entry, as Macron welcomes the dialogue. The debate shapes next steps for Britain’s European stance.
El Niño is strengthening, bringing risks of floods, heat and rising seas. California officials warn of a potentially historic winter as climate pressures strain infrastructure and communities prepare for extreme weather and food impacts.
Maricarmen Abascal has died after a high-profile eviction in Madrid sparked protests and a national housing debate. The case has intensified calls for tighter eviction rules, a potential snap election, and renewed scrutiny of housing affordability.
EuroLeague shareholder clubs have rejected the NBA’s proposal for a single European league in a meeting in Cernobbio, with plans to convert licenses into franchises and to increase the number of franchises. The discussions come as the NBA eyes a 2027 European launch and large entry fees are reported.
Rayo Vallecas returns to its home ground but protests targeting owner Raúl Martín Presa interrupt the match against Athletic Bilbao, with objects thrown on the pitch. The game was suspended; authorities face ongoing questions over stadium safety and maintenance. A replay is likely as tensions persist.
Barca has moved five points clear at the top of La Liga after a 3-0 victory over Getafe, with Gordon, Jesus and Kounde among the scorers. Madrid and Atletico also win, but Barca remain the pace-setters as the season progresses.
Real Madrid errors late in the match give way to a dramatic comeback at the Stadio Olimpico. Mbappé marks a historic 100th Champions League appearance, while Endrick and Rudiger secure a late win for Real as Roma take an early lead.